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In-laws came to meet our newborn without a gift

333 replies

Freyaz · 26/09/2023 13:46

We had our second baby last week, our first is 3. The in-laws hadn’t asked while I was pregnant if there was anything we needed, they’d barely even mentioned the fact we were having another baby actually. They arrived to meet our newborn the other day and didn’t bring anything. They didn’t even bring our daughter anything either when almost everyone who had been to visit had brought her something too. It’s not about the presents and people have been far too generous but it was just the fact they hadn’t made any effort.

When I was telling my mum she asked if they’d brought flowers or something but they hadn’t, just showed up empty handed. If it was a financial thing I would understand it but they have plenty of money. It just felt like they hadn’t bothered when every other distant relative, friend etc had 🤔 Am I wrong in thinking they should have brought at least something?

OP posts:
Allseeingallknowing · 06/05/2025 13:47

PinkRoses1245 · 26/09/2023 14:06

You are being very greedy. It’s your baby, why you think anyone else is necessarily interested is beyond me

Because they’re family too?

Fraaances · 06/05/2025 13:48

Oh for crying out loud… Did you have this baby in a manger? Are your in-laws three wise men? Nobody is obliged to bring anything.

Allseeingallknowing · 06/05/2025 13:52

If I go to see a new baby, whether it is friends or family I always take a card and a gift, plus something for the other children, if any, usually sweets. I love choosing a sleepsuit dress, cuddly toy etc. It’s not compulsory, but a nice thing to do.

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Nanny0gg · 06/05/2025 13:59

ZOMBIE

CurlewKate · 06/05/2025 14:11

Tribevibes · 26/09/2023 14:05

I’m with you OP. They sound unpleasant, tight and pretty awful to be honest. It’s not about greed or entitlement. If you go round to see a new mum/baby then you at least bring a card, some inexpensive chocolates, flowers, little outfit for baby or whatever……

That is what you call good manners. Personally I think it’s entitlement from them to come round empty handed at a time whereby you might not even want people round but you graciously let them in anyway…..

A card from card factory is 69p

Do people have zero integrity these days?

She “graciously” let the baby’s grandparents visit? Heard it all now!

LemonLimeWater · 06/05/2025 14:20

Issummernearlyover · 27/09/2023 09:20

I'm baffled at some of these comments. I never got presents from my parents when they visited my new baby. I never thought anything of it until I read this thread.
The other GPs never even acknowledged her existence and I never gave that a second thought either. Their loss.
My DM did bring me a filled baguette from town on day four as my "D"P had run off to Scotland as he couldn't cope. Does that count?

The GPs didn’t acknowledge your child’s existence and you didn’t give it another thought?
I would have been devastated if my parents or ILs hadn’t acknowledged my child - their grandchild’s - existence.

For all the posters saying she is grabby, do you honestly turn up to see a new baby without a card or flowers or a cake or dinner for the parents to heat up later? She is not asking for presents for the sake of getting stuff. Having a baby and a toddler is hard and if you care enough to visit, then why wouldn’t you want to make things easier for the new parents, or at least show that you are thinking about them.

OP I would be hurt at the gps lack of thought.
Congratulations on the new baby!!

Nanny0gg · 07/05/2025 22:42

The 'newborn' is now 18 months old!!

TheCountofMountingCrispBags · 08/05/2025 07:25

So what?
The number of grabby people that come up on MN is incredible. Expectations of gift/acknowledgement abound

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